Confessions of a King
The King Father has requested to have a word with you. As you make your way to the study, you suddenly feel uneasy. You haven't seen much of him lately and his health has been declining since the wedding. A private nurse was brought in shortly after to help take care of his increasing needs. Since Liam is away on official business for the next several days, you will be facing his father alone. There is a sinking feeling this is about his health and that he wants your help in finding a way to break the news to Liam.
You stand outside the door as one of the guards bows and then opens it. You thank him and smile as you walk in. Expecting to see Constantine looking gaunt and in the wheel chair he's been bound to for the past few months, but to your surprise his is sitting behind his desk looking quite regal, and the wheelchair is folded and placed against the wall. He smiles as you approach. Regina on one side of him and his nurse on the other, they each greet you warmly.
CATHERINE "Constantine… you look rather dashing today."
REGINA "He does, doesn't he?"
CATHERINE "You wanted to see me?"
CONSTANTINE "Yes…Come my dear and please, have a seat."
He gestures to the chair in front of the desk, and you sit in anticipation.
CONSTANTINE "Nurse, would you give us a moment please?"
NURSE "Certainly your Majesty."
The nurse leaves the room.
CATHERINE "What's this about?"
CONSTANTINE "Thank you for coming on such short notice. I know your schedule is quite hectic with Liam being away, but I promise to be brief."
CATHERINE "Is something wrong?"
REGINA "Constantine has some news to share. Isn't that right dear?"
CONSTANTINE "That is correct, and I'll get right to the point. As you know, I've been receiving a new treatment for the cancer and after visiting the doctor this morning, I'm told there is a bit of improvement in my prognosis."
CATHERINE "This is wonderful news Constantine! To be honest I was expecting something more to the contrary. Have you told Liam yet?"
CONSTANTINE "No, not yet, but I will as soon as he returns."
CATHERINE "He is going to be so happy. We should celebrate when he gets back."
CONSTANTINE "Well, it might be a bit premature for a celebration…each day will still be a struggle, but at least there is hope."
CATHERINE "Maybe you'll feel well enough to attend the annual Apple Festival coming up next month."
REGINA "That's right. It's always a delightful event."
CONSTANTINE "I certainly enjoy the activities, and Liam's brother has hinted that he might be joining us as well. It would be wonderful having the entire family together."
REGINA "Yes, it's been ages since we've seen him."
CATHERINE "I can tell Liam misses him. How long has it been?"
CONSTANTINE "He keeps in touch by phone from time to time, but the last time we actually saw him was at Liam's coronation… I hadn't realized how long ago that was…"
His expression pained somewhat and then he looks back to you.
CONSTANTINE "Catherine, there were two reasons I asked you here today."
CATHERINE "What is the other reason?"
Oh no, here it comes. It was an innocent mistake… How could you have known the Swedish Ambassador was allergic to dairy products? Constantine gathers his thoughts carefully and with an anguished expression, he sighs.
CONSTANTINE "Things were a bit hectic before the end of the social season… It seems like such a long time ago but… there are matters of significant importance that I must confess…if you'll indulge me for a moment…"
CATHERINE "Of course."
CONSTANTINE "I hadn't planned to let so much time pass before addressing this issue… but I believe I owe you an explanation and an apology."
CATHERINE "That's not necessary Constantine. You're right, it was a long time ago and even though I'll never understand it all, I think we've moved past that now. And besides, life is too short to carry all that weight around. You should just let it go… I know I have."
CONSTANTINE "That is very commendable, but I cannot ignore how I deliberately acted against my oath as king...I allowed power to obstruct my judgement and I realize now what a horrific act of injustice I initiated… I should have listened to Liam...trusted him… I have long since regretted my actions…"
Constantine looks at you expectantly.
CATHERINE "Constantine, you don't have to do this..."
CONSTANTINE "Yes. It must be said… I've carried a great deal of guilt for too long and it's time to restore peace within our family… Since retiring, I have had more than enough time to contemplate the poor decisions I've made over the years, but none more troubling than those I made against you and Liam. It's all so clear to me now… it was purely an abuse of power. When I think back at the look on Liam's face, the moment he saw those pictures of you and Tariq, I immediately regretted what I had done… his life shattered in an instant, and at the hands of his own father… What kind of man would do that to his son? I was not prepared for his reaction…He was…"
Constantine tries to fight back the tears...
CONSTANTINE "… he was devastated and then, his expression resolved to desperation while he anxiously searched the crowd for you… It was then that I knew how much you meant to him… I had forced you both into this dilemma and at what cost? I wanted so desperately to reveal this deception… bring you back to him and repair this travesty… But by then it was too late to retract, and my cowardice wouldn't allow it… I hadn't realized how far removed I had become until that very moment and even in my own grief, I can only imagine the torment you and he must have suffered. Honestly, it was a relief when you discovered the truth… even though my shame was great, the guilt was much greater..."
Regina puts her hand on Constantine's shoulder as he holds his head in his hands, and begins sobbing uncontrollably, shaking his head as if trying to erase that haunting memory. You feel a surge of emotion and tears begin to well up in your eyes as you reach out to him, placing your hand on his for comfort.
CATHERINE "Constantine… please don't do this to yourself… Have you spoken to Liam about all of this? It would mean a lot to him."
CONSTANTINE "I have tried several times, but it's quite clear that he's not ready to forgive me just yet… Although things between us have improved somewhat, he may never be able to forgive and that is something I will have to accept… I had lost sight of what was most important… I should have supported you and welcomed you into our family."
CATHERINE "Granted, it wasn't ideal, but you're still his father."
CONSTANTINE "Yes, his respect is evident, but he no longer regards me the same way as before… Although I can't say I would have reacted any differently if that situation had been imposed upon me."
CATHERINE "I'm sure it will all work out in time."
CONSTANTINE "I can only hope… not just forgiveness from Liam but from you as well…"
CATHERINE "I already have... it is not in my heart to harbor animosity."
He looks up in disbelief, but his troubled expression turns to admiration as he pats your hand appreciatively and then leans back in his chair.
CONSTANTINE "Thank you. Even though I don't deserve it, I thank you for allowing an old man the opportunity to somewhat redeem himself… Over the last few months I have come to respect your integrity and value your presence in our family."
REGINA "It is quite honorable to look past the misfortunes of your life and be able to forgive. I'm certain it was not easy, but it says a lot about your character. I am quite impressed with how you have handled this situation."
CATHERINE "Thank you both. That means a lot. I know it hasn't been easy for any of us, but I appreciate your support. And we don't always have to agree with each other, but we are family now, and families stick together… through thick and thin."
Constantine and Regina look to you with newfound respect.
CONSTANTINE "In the spirit of family, let me offer my sincerest regards. I have never seen him happier, and the devotion that undoubtedly exists between you and Liam is inspiring. Anyone can see that the two of you belong together… I just wish that I had realized it sooner."
CATHERINE "We do make a pretty good team..."
CONSTANTINE "I certainly can't deny that… There is just one more thing though…"
He opens the drawer in front of him, pulling out a sealed envelope and hands it to you from across the desk. It appears to be somewhat worn and thick. You accept it and notice a wax seal with the Cordonian crest holding it closed, you look back to him questioningly…
CATHERINE "What's this?"
CONSTANTINE "It's a letter… Liam's mother wrote it... a few months before she passed…"
CATHERINE "Okay but, shouldn't you be the one to give it to him? I mean…"
CONSTANTINE "It's not for him my child… It's for you."
CATHERINE "For me? But what… I mean, how…?"
Constantine's smile is bittersweet as his countenance becomes almost nostalgic, and then he turns to Regina.
CONSTANTINE "Darling, I hope you don't mind if I speak openly about Liam's mother for just a moment. I did make a promise and I would like to respect her wishes."
REGINA "Of course I don't mind. It is important that you honor her memory. She is Liam's mother after all."
CONSTANTINE "My reverence is no less than that for you Regina."
REGINA "You've never given me any reason to doubt that dear…"
Constantine smiles appreciatively at her and then slowly turns back to you.
CONSTANTINE "Victoria always knew that our son would grow up and marry someday. I am not quite sure if she had a premonition or if she simply wanted to put her emotions into words, but she wrote this letter a few months before that terrible incident and asked me to present it to the woman of Liam's choosing when the time was right. It was her dying wish to give her blessing to the woman he would marry, but only if it was truly for love. Her only expectation was that you would come to know her, woman to woman…and in her own words. I am not aware of its contents, but I will say that she was an exceptional woman as I am certain you will determine upon reading the letter… Since Liam won't be back for a few days, you'll have no distractions but, you may share it with him if you so wish."
CATHERINE "I'm touched… he talks about her often, but I question him very little. She must have loved him so much."
CONSTANTINE "Very much… I had never witnessed so much joy than what I saw the day he was born. She often felt consumed by the demands of courtly life, and taking care of Leo was a welcomed reprieve, but I knew something was missing. I was happy to see that becoming a mother afforded her the solace she needed. She was a wonderful woman, and we all suffered a tremendous loss…"
CATHERINE "Liam still mourns her sometimes."
CONSTANTINE "It was such a terrible time for all of us, but Liam was the one most affected by it. He was inconsolable for months afterward and when he learned the truth about her death, he remained despondent for many years. It was even worse after his brother abdicated. Seeing him become more and more withdrawn and sullen, was cause for a great deal of concern. Not only due to his mother's passing but because he felt burdened by the expectations of what would inevitably become his destiny."
CATHERINE "My heart aches for him just thinking about it."
CONSTANTINE "That is why I agreed to let him arrange that little excursion in New York before the start of the social season. I thought being away from court would give him time to reflect upon his life and in some way gain a renewed sense of hope and acceptance of his purpose. Upon his return, I could see that the trip had not proved to be the success I had hoped, but as Regina has so eloquently pointed out to me, it was only when you arrived in Cordonia, that he slowly began to recover from his seemingly dismal outlook and became the man I always knew he would be. I am thankful Liam found his solace in you."
CATHERINE "You know, he did the same for me. It was fate that brought us together, even against all the odds."
CONSTANTINE "Victoria would have been proud of the man he has become... and his choice for a wife."
CATHERINE "What was she like? If you don't mind me asking…"
He pauses for a moment as if deep in thought and then a smile comes to his face.
CONSTANTINE "Well, she was a commoner by birthright but became a very strong presence at court. While I was born and bred to this life, it was a blessing to have the balance and simplicity she brought to our family. The people of Cordonia adored her openness and generosity but those attributes were ultimately the cause of her demise… Things were a bit different back then…"
CATHERINE "I wish I could have met her."
CONSTANTINE "She was, in many ways, like yourself. I'd consider you kindred spirits…"
CATHERINE "I'll take that as a compliment."
CONSTANTINE "The highest I could possibly give. Her zest for life was infectious."
CATHERINE "Well, thank you for sharing that with me."
CONSTANTINE "No, thank you Catherine. Thank you for reminding me that life is more than just governing and politics… It is about devotion, to the ones we hold dear… and embracing family above all else."
CATHERINE "I think you already knew that, but I'm glad if I played a part in helping you remember."
CONSTANTINE "Watching how you've turned things around for Liam is a blessing in my eyes and I am eternally grateful."
CATHERINE "Thank you, but I'm certainly nothing special."
CONSTANTINE "You are to Liam, and that is what matters the most."
CATHERINE "Well, we all have a lot to be thankful for. Especially the good news about your well-being."
CONSTANTINE "Yes, that too is a blessing."
There is a slight pause in the conversation as each of you take a moment to reflect. You sigh and then stand up from the chair.
CATHERINE "Well, thank you for giving me the letter and for this talk. It means a lot to know that I have your support. I'll go for now, but will I see you two at dinner?"
REGINA "Yes dear. I look forward to the next item on the menu. The kitchen staff seems excited about your recent selections, and I must say, everything so far has been quite delicious."
CATHERINE "Well thank you, but I can't take credit for planning the menu this week. Liam insisted on taking over that task. He said since he couldn't dine with us, he should at least be here in spirit, so it will be all of his favorites."
CONSTANTINE "He does have a gift for tasteful sustenance. Although I am becoming quite fond of the variety you have provided."
CATHERINE "I'm glad you approve."
REGINA "It will be lovely…"
CATHERINE "I wish Liam was here..."
CONSTANTINE "It's only for a few days…"
REGINA "Yes, but a few days can seem like an eternity when you are newlyweds."
CONSTANTINE "I suppose it does, but he'll be back in no time."
CATHERINE "I know, but this is the first time we've been apart since the wedding and it's just a bit of an adjustment."
REGINA "I remember the first time Constantine and I were separated after our marriage. I felt a bit lost without him as well but keeping busy helps. Constantine and I are here if you should need anything dear."
CATHERINE "Thank you. And don't be surprised if I take you up on that. With this brunch coming up tomorrow I may need your expertise."
REGINA "I'd be happy to assist."
CATHERINE "I'll see you two at six."
REGINA "Until then…"
You take your leave and walk slowly to your own office with letter in hand. Upon entering you head straight to the desk and place the letter on the corner. Turning around you see a pile of documents on the table that your assistant prepared before taking the day off to attend to some personal business. You sigh and wander over, picking them up as you begin shuffling through each one. Almost as if being drawn by some force, your gaze drifts to the desk and the letter that sits on the corner. You stand there for a moment contemplating your next move…
CATHERINE "Okay Victoria, what is it you want to tell me?"
You walk back to the desk and sit down pulling yourself and the chair up to it. You casually pick up the letter turning it over in your hands a few times and then lay it down, so the seal is facing up. Your hand grasps it and carefully peels it back. Reaching in to pull out the contents, you can't help but notice there are pages and pages of handwritten words… words written by Liam's mother.
CATHERINE "(This is going to take a while…)"
You slowly unfold the letter as your heart begins to thump wildly in your chest. Taking a deep breath… you begin to read…